They say a vision without a plan is just a dream. But how about a plan without funding? Is it not simply a dream as well?
As with any project, your vision should not end with just a plan. You need to make sure, too, that you have the people, facilities, and most especially, financial resources to execute your ideas.
Grant writing is among the most effective strategies for beginners to fund their programs. By writing a convincing proposal, they can communicate their visions well and request funds from grantors.
But a grant proposal is not just a simple plan written on a piece of paper. It has to be detailed and complete so the funder can get a good grasp of how your plan will work.
Do you know what it takes to become a prolific writer? Here are some tips to help you.
Know your funder.
Before you start writing your proposal, know first who the funder is and what they serve. Know their mission, organizational profile, and goals and use them as your guide in creating your proposal. See to it that your project fits their requirements and matches their funding priorities.
Review the application procedure.
Not all grantors are the same. While some accept just any form of application, others require specific formats and submission process. So make sure you review the Request for Funding Proposal (RFP) before starting your piece. This will guide you and keep you on track of the plan.
Always tell a good story.
Grant writing may be technical; but it has to be passionate and touching as well. Your goal as a writer is to create a real life-changing story that can move the funder’s feelings. In writing your proposal, justify your beneficiaries’ needs and convince the grantor of your project’s impact.
Learn from your mistakes.
It isn’t easy to get your project funded. While there’s a chance for you to win a grant, there’s a greater chance, too, that you may compete with better projects and may not get the funds at all. But never lose hope. Pick up from your errors and improve your writing. Look for other grant sources and don’t stop trying.
Be the best that you can be.
Lastly, believe in what you can offer. You know exactly what your strengths and weaknesses are. Use your strong points and improve your flaws. Soon enough, grant writing for beginners, like you, will just be a piece of cake.
